Jay Cutler picked out one specific quad exercise used to build insane size.
Four-time Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has perfected the art of building an insane muscular physique from head to toe. Of course, this includes putting in major work during leg days. In a recent video, Cutler shared the best quad exercise to build size.
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Cutler was part of one of the greatest bodybuilding rivalries in history with arguably the best bodybuilder of all time, Ronnie Coleman. He ended Coleman’s streak of eight consecutive Olympia victories in 2006. He would win back-to-back titles before losing to Dexter Jackson in 2008. Cutler would rebound with two more victories in 2009-10.
Cutler has remained in the best shape possible in retirement and uses many of his favorite exercises during his workouts. For legs, he credits hack squats.
“The best quad exercise in the world is going to be your hack squats.”
The hack squat is an exercise performed on a sled angle at 45 degrees. This machine allows you to train without relying on a lot of trunk stabilization or balance like many machines or under the barbell (like a classic squat). It allows you to focus on the front of your thighs. Cutler acknowledges some weightlifters might have knee issues that hinders this movement but at full strength, it is the best to use.
“You’re always going to get more press on the front thighs. If you can get into a hack squat machine and it does not hurt, this is the ultimate exercise to build those frontal thighs.”
How To Do the Hack Squat?
Here are instructions for both the machine hack squat and barbell hack squat, which is the original version of the movement.
Choose a reasonable weight where you can get at least 12 repetitions without going to failure.
This will ensure you maintain good form and prevent injury or discomfort.
Hack Machine Squat
- Stand on the platform so your back is against the machine and your shoulders are beneath the padding.
- Your feet should be wider than hip-width distance apart and closer to the top of the platform so that your knees are not above your heels.
- Now, squat down slightly past parallel.
- Then, push up through your heels back to a standing position.
- Perform the desired number of reps.
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